Hurricane Katrina victim Burnell Taylor lead the way as the final five contestants secured places in American Idol's Top 20.

Bow-tie wearing Burnell, 19, saw his family home destroyed by Katrina when it struck New Orleans in 2005.

But after singing 'This Time' by John Legend he was told by judge Nicki Minaj that she would pay to see him in concert right now.

Early favourite: Hurricane Katrina victim Burnell Taylor will be hard to beat after breezing through to the American Idol finals

Nicki was also stunned to see how much weight Burnell had shed.

'Right now, literally right now, like today, I would pay to hear you sing,' said Nicki.

'Outside of everything Keith said about your style being so unique and beautiful and different, is the fact that you lost that weight.

'When I looked at your video you were carrying the stress and struggle of Katrina, and all the problems, and knowing you could sing and wanting to take your family out the 'hood and I know what the feels like.

'The fact you lost that weight signifies to me a different spirit taking over your life and I am so happy for you because you deserve this, every bit of it.

Crunch time: But hunk Ryan Seacrest won some of the limelight for himself thanks to his fabulously tailored suit

Easy decision: But brilliant Burnell was still delighted when he found out he had secured his place

'Your family is counting on you and I know what that feels like baby boy, let me tell you you were the best by far tonight, no one else was even in your lane tonight. Period.'

Randy, a fellow Louisiana native, was also a massive fan.

'Love your story, love you have lost the weight and done your thing.

'When we saw you in Baton Rouge you blew the doors off and all of us fell in love with you.

'You are very different and unique. You feel something personal that you give to the public.'

Fan club: His fellow finalists were overjoyed when they discovered the dapper chap had made it through

No need for a bow tie breaker: The passionate vocalists powerful performance spoke for itself

Mariah completed the praise. saying: 'The first time I saw you I was crying because it was so real and authentic and raw,' she said.

'This was fantastic and touched me as well but that was a different and intense moment and from the point on I have been rooting for you.'

Ten male contestants competed for just five spots in the top 20, completing the Sudden Death round of the competition in Las Vegas.

Style icon: While his vocal ability was very impressive it was his fabulous bow tie that was the star attraction

Spirit of Katrina: Nicki told him he was the best by far and had been a worthy representative of Katrina victims

Bahamian holiday entertainer Mathenee Treco, 26, kicked off the show and sang 'A Little Less Conversation' by Elvis Presley.

Judge Keith Urban was not overwhelmed by what he saw.

'You have a huge range vocally and you have got immense power as a singer, those ere really strong qualities for you,' he said.

'You love to entertain but I would ask you not to underestimate the power of your voice.

'Sometimes the entertainment can get so assaulting I am missing you under there.'

Nicki Minaj, who bizarrely spoke in an English accent, was also not blown away.

'Yes you have a strong voice but a lot of it seemed like you were trying to please the judges.

'It did not feel current, it felt very cheesy and karaoke, but that is just me.'

And Randy was also not onboard.

Specs appeal: Vincent Powell was as good as through when Nicki Minaj told him she vould envisage women throwing their underwear at him

A good indicator of success: He surely realised he was through when the judges gave him a standing ovation

'You have got a great voice and an amazing talent but the song choice was so wrong for you.'

Maria told Mathenee that she liked him 'as the kind of person I would invite over to my house to talk.'